Jacob Bridgeman leads Genesis Invitational by 6 strokes

The 25-year-old American has put himself in position to win his first PGA Tour title.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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Jacob Bridgeman, a 25-year-old American in his third full season on the PGA Tour, leads The Genesis Invitational by six strokes heading into the final round at Riviera Country Club in Los Angeles. Bridgeman, who has steadily improved over the past few years, shot a 7-under 64 on Saturday to distance himself from a star-studded leaderboard that includes Rory McIlroy. Bridgeman's impressive performance has been fueled by his elite putting and improved ball-striking, particularly with his irons.

Why it matters

Bridgeman, an under-the-radar name on the PGA Tour, has a chance to capture his first career victory at a prestigious event. A win would propel him into the spotlight and establish him as a rising star on Tour. Additionally, Bridgeman's success highlights the importance of well-rounded game development, as he has worked to improve his weaknesses beyond just his standout putting.

The details

Bridgeman, a former standout at Clemson University, has been one of the better putters on Tour since earning his card in 2024. However, he has struggled with the bumpy Poa annua greens in California in the past. This week, he has embraced the challenge and leads the field in Strokes Gained: Putting. Bridgeman has also elevated his ball-striking, ranking first in Strokes Gained: Approach through three rounds. He credits his swing coach, Scott Hamilton, for helping him improve the height and spin of his iron shots, which has been key to his success at the soft, wind-affected Riviera greens.

  • Bridgeman shot a 7-under 64 on Saturday to take a 6-stroke lead into the final round.
  • Bridgeman previously held the 54-hole lead at the 2022 Valspar Championship before finishing T3.

The players

Jacob Bridgeman

A 25-year-old American in his third full season on the PGA Tour, Bridgeman is a former standout at Clemson University where he tied the program record with five individual wins and was named the 2022 ACC Player of the Year.

Rory McIlroy

The 33-year-old Northern Irishman is one of the biggest stars on the PGA Tour, with four major championships and 23 career PGA Tour wins.

Scott Hamilton

Bridgeman's swing coach, who has helped the young player improve the height and spin of his iron shots.

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What they’re saying

“It's going to take something special from me.”

— Rory McIlroy (pgatour.com)

“I kind of just putted my way around and won some tournaments that way.”

— Jacob Bridgeman (pgatour.com)

“I didn't like it, didn't really know what to do. I think I've accepted now that some of them are going to bump out. Like mine on the last hole, I hit a good putt, it just bumped left and it didn't go in. I think in the past I would get kind of frustrated with that and that would kind of inch over into my stroke and play.”

— Jacob Bridgeman (pgatour.com)

“Last year I felt nice. I think on the tee I expected to be nervous and feeling more pressure than I did. Then, when I got on the tee, it was kind of eerie that I didn't feel that and I felt good. I think I sort of psych myself out a little bit. I didn't play great Sunday at Valspar, but I still kind of hung in there, gave myself a chance.”

— Jacob Bridgeman (pgatour.com)

“I was paired with Rory and it was kind of a lot, I thought. Then I got out there and he was super nice to me and super welcoming, and the fans were great as well. I think if it was my first time maybe it would be a little unsettling, but now I'm not worried about it.”

— Jacob Bridgeman (pgatour.com)

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.